Speak In Flow

Have you ever wondered how the next generation will be impacted by AI? Michael Ostapenko, founder of Satryx, is building that future, and his vision goes beyond the hype. In this thought-provoking conversation with Melinda Lee, Michael dissects the current limits of AI and makes a compelling case for why our children won't be raised by rogue superintelligences, but instead, by powerful tools that lack human-like motivation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the world we are building for the next generation and how to prepare them for a partnership with intelligent technology.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The AI Tutor of Tomorrow

Why the next generation will learn from AIs that are powerful logical reasoners, not just conversational chatbots, transforming education from memorization to master-level critical thinking.

Preparing for a Partnership, Not a Takeover

“Agency is a property of life, not intelligence.”

How to alleviate anxiety for ourselves and our children by understanding the fundamental difference between a tool and a living entity.

The New Digital Divide

“Quantum computers can solve powerful classes of problems, but you have to ask the right questions.”

As quantum computing and advanced AI unlock solutions to global problems, the next generation's challenge won't be access to information, but the ability to ask the right questions and wield these powerful tools ethically.

Instilling "Creator Responsibility" in the Next Generation

“At the end of the day, the responsibility is still on you.” 

Why teaching kids to code is no longer enough; we must teach them the ethics of the goals and constraints they program into intelligent systems.

About the Guest: 

Michael Ostapenko is the founder and CEO of Satryx, a company on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence. With more than two decades of deep experience in science, engineering, and leadership, he is advancing automated reasoning on conventional hardware toward practically quantum-enabled performance. At Satryx, he is building a foundational platform that fuses these logical breakthroughs with modern machine learning. His long-term vision is to enable the next generation of AI systems that approach true human-level intelligence, capable of both semantic understanding and rigorous logical reasoning.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostapenko 

Fun Fact:

• 🚲 Gravity-Defying Survivor: Beyond the lab, Michael has tested his own limits, surviving a dramatic bike crash that involved executing a near-full flip in midair.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

The shocking murder of Charlie Kirk, a young, passionate voice with a massive platform, leaves us with difficult questions. Was his "Prove Me Wrong" approach a catalyst for dialogue or division? In this poignant episode of the Speak In Flow podcast, host Melinda Lee and leadership expert Dr. Joy Karavedas dissect the power and peril of an influential voice. They explore the legacy of a man killed for his beliefs and what his story teaches us about the responsibility we all carry to use our own voices for connection, and not just conviction.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Double-Edged Sword of a Platform

How the "Prove Me Wrong" format, while confident and compelling, may have fueled division by putting people on the defensive under a public spotlight, and why a message can get lost or muddied when delivered on a large stage.

When Dialogue Stops, Violence Begins

“When they feel they have no more words to be able to defend themselves, they react differently.”

A deep dive into Charlie Kirk's own quote and the tragic irony of his death. Explore the idea that when people feel they have no more words to defend their deeply held beliefs, they may resort to violence, highlighting the critical need for true dialogue.

The Deeper Legacy Beyond Being "Right" or "Wrong"

“When the whole goal is to prove me wrong... you're not trying to find common ground.”

Why Charlie Kirk's legacy is more than his political stance. It's a stark reminder of the passion, conviction, and responsibility that comes with a powerful voice, and the heavy question: What do you believe in so strongly that you would be willing to die for it?

How to Wield Your Voice for Connection

“When we're using our voice, we're actually not just using our words, we're connecting.” 

Moving beyond debate to true dialogue. Learn why we must "listen to understand," not just to reply, and how to use our voices as a source of connection and positive influence in a divided world, regardless of our platform size.

About the Guest: 

Dr. Joy Karavedas is an accomplished educator, conference speaker, and leadership expert with over 20 years of executive-level experience. As the Dean of Online Learning at Orange Lutheran High School, she leads innovative educational initiatives and designs flexible learning pathways for the next generation. She also serves as a Professor of Organizational Leadership and Behavior, equipping emerging leaders with the strategies they need to succeed. A published author of From Striving to Thriving, Dr. Karavedas is the founder of Karavedas Coaching and Consulting, where she provides customized services to help individuals and organizations strengthen their leadership, communication, and culture.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/drkaravedas 

Instagram - instagram.com/drkaravedas 

Facebook - facebook.com/drkaravedas 

Fun Facts:

• ✍️ Prolific Author: Currently working on her second book, with a publication date set before the end of the year.
• 🌎 World Explorer: An avid traveler who has visited 24 countries (with two more to be crossed off in December) and 30 U.S. states.
• 👅 Super Taster: Possesses the unique genetic trait of being a "super taster," experiencing flavors more intensely than the average person.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Massimo Backus, founder of Massimo Backus Leadership and author of "Human First, Leader Second," is on a mission to dismantle the myth that self-criticism drives success. In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast with Melinda Lee, Massimo reveals how the relentless pursuit of perfection fuels a "piggy bank of shame" for leaders and shares the transformative practice that builds true resilience.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Typo That Transformed a Keynote

How a glaring mistake on a slide became a live masterclass in self-compassion, uniting a room of executives and proving that our shared humanity is more powerful than perfection.

The Three Parts of Self-Compassion

“The measure of a person is… Can you get back up?... and learn from those things.”

A practical framework for navigating moments of doubt: 1) Acknowledge your inner critic, 2) Connect to common humanity ("You are not alone"), and 3) Choose a kind response that allows you to move forward effectively

From Shame to Shared Freedom

“If you spoke to other people the way that you speak to yourself, would you have friends?”

Massimo challenges the core belief that self-criticism is effective, sharing how forgiving himself for a past firing was the key to unlocking his authentic leadership.

The Self-Trust Anchor

“When do I trust myself most?” Massimo’s golden question for leaders to journal on. Discover how anchoring into moments of self-trust, rather than social comparison, transforms your decision-making, communication, and presence.

About the Guest: 

Massimo Backus is on a mission to help one million people believe they are worthy and enough. A facilitator, speaker, and executive leadership coach, he provides no-BS coaching for committed senior leaders and runs transformative programs for organizations serious about change. His fifteen-plus years in talent development have given him a front-row seat to the cultures of Fortune 500 companies like Cisco, Accenture, and Amazon, working with over 3,000 leaders. Massimo holds a master's in Organizational Psychology and is the author of Human First, Leader Second.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimo-backus/ 

Fun Facts:

• 🎬 Award-Winning Storyteller: Beyond the boardroom, Massimo is an award-winning documentary filmmaker who loves to tell life’s great stories.
• 📚 Academic Pedigree: He holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's in Organizational Psychology from Claremont Graduate University, with professional coaching education from The Co-Active Training Institute, grounding his transformative work in proven research.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

For a world full of different people, not everyone knows how to work with differences, resulting in more loss than you think. Just ask Nick Bourland. After being told his neurodivergent mind was a liability, Nick discovered how to turn his unique way of thinking into his ultimate advantage. In this Episode of the Speak In Flow Podcast with Melinda Lee, the senior product manager shares how a late-in-life autism diagnosis became the key to unlocking a profound leadership style.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The "Mental Translation Engine" for Better Connection

“I've learned to look at it as a strength, like you said, strength, not a weakness, because our brains think just differently. It doesn't mean that it's wrong.”

A practical approach to building rapport by consciously cataloging what resonates with others, turning social nuance into a learnable skill that builds genuine trust.

The Strategic Pause: Your Secret Weapon Against Overwhelm

“It's okay to take a moment... that allows me the time that I need.”

Why giving yourself permission not to respond immediately is a sign of strength, not hesitation, and how it leads to clearer thinking and more confident decisions.

Build a Team Where People Can "Fail Upward"

“They can experiment, they can try something new, and if it doesn't work out, that's okay.”

How leading with intentional empathy and focusing on individual strengths creates psychological safety, unlocking your team's highest creativity and loyalty.

The Mindset to Never Let Others Define Your Potential

“Never let anybody else define your future.”

The core belief that allowed Nick to defy dire predictions and achieve his goals, and how you can apply it to silence the critics, including the one in your own head.

About the Guest: 

Nick Bourland is a Senior Product Manager at Balsam Brands, a leading e-commerce company known for its high-quality artificial Christmas trees and its unique, investor-free "evergreen" model. With a nearly 30-year career spanning retail, real estate, healthcare, and technology, Nick now oversees four teams driving data and AI transformation for the global business. He is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace, transforming his own late-in-life autism diagnosis from a source of struggle into a leadership superpower.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-bourland-1aa7a548 

Fun Facts:

• 🧠 Neurospicy Superpower: Officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2023, Nick has reframed his neurodivergence as a strategic advantage, using his ultra-detailed and differently-wired brain to manage complex work streams and build incredibly loyal teams.
• 🎭 Creative at Heart: Beyond the corporate world, Nick is a musician, songwriter, and composer currently creating a musical theater show based on the life of Peter the Apostle.
• ✍️ Fantasy Novelist: He is also a sci-fi/fantasy novelist, diligently working to complete his first novel, Darkstone, by the end of the year.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

As an HR manager, Marvin Lampa knows firsthand that he needs to be a supportive resource for his employees. He also knows how difficult that can be. As a leader, he transformed from his own harshest critic to finding his confident voice. In this episode of the Speak in Flow podcast with Melinda Lee, Marvin discusses how self-doubt and his inner struggle with public speaking held him back and the simple yet powerful tools that helped him rebuild his communication skills. Learn how to breathe through the nerves and speak your truth.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Inner War of Speaking

How the anxiety of public speaking is often an internal battle, where leaders psych themselves out with worst-case scenarios and harsh self-criticism, even when their audience perceives them as perfectly confident.

The Power of a Single Breath

“Breathe out the nerves.” 

Marvin discovered that the simple, often-overlooked act of taking a deliberate breath is a foundational tool to calm the racing nerves that hijack clarity and confidence before any speaking event.

The "That's Okay" Mindset

“You need to hear it, even if it's from yourself.” 

Marvin highlights the transformative tapping technique that culminates in a powerful self-affirmation: giving yourself permission to mess up. This release of pressure leads to a more relaxed, authentic, and ultimately more effective delivery.

Confidence as a Service Tool

“As long as I affect one person positively, I did my job.”

For Marvin, this newfound confidence isn't for applause; it's a critical tool for service. He shares how speaking with authority allows him to better serve employees, ensuring they trust his guidance on important matters like FMLA and feel supported and secure.

About the Guest: 

Marvin Lampa is an HR manager and compliance specialist with extensive expertise in employee leave administration, ADA/FMLA/CFRA policies, and workplace investigations. He skillfully translates complex regulations into clear, actionable strategies.

Social Handles:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marvinlampa  

Fun Facts:

• 🥊 Martial Arts Mindset: Marvin has been training in Muay Thai since 2009 and applies the discipline and precision required in the ring to his strategic HR work.
• 🥒 Pickleball Convert: He was adamantly against pickleball until a fateful game turned into a paddle purchase and a full-blown obsession. He’s now happily hooked.
• 🎤 Power Ballad Aficionado: One of his favorite artists is Celine Dion. He knows all the words to "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" and isn't afraid to belt it out.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Professionalism and human necessities should not be at odds. Samantha Bolosan, founder and CEO of The POM Team, proves it. She built a fractional finance firm not by demanding burnout, but by championing a culture where being present in your family life is just as valued as closing the books. In this episode of The Speak in Flow Podcast with Melinda Lee, Samantha dismantles the myth of the rigid, always-on workplace and shares the operational blueprint that lets her team and business thrive on their own terms.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The "Peace of Mind" Business Model

“I really wanted to build a business that would provide an ecosystem in which all aspects of my life could thrive.”

How Samantha’s personal need for integration as a new mom became a market-defining company mission that attracts top talent and loyal clients.

To Systemize for the "Human Variable"

“I have to have team members that are highly trained and flexible to jump in and jump out where I need them to.”

A people-centric business is inherently unpredictable. Samantha reveals her strategic approach to mitigating this risk, not by restricting flexibility, but by building intelligent redundancies.

How Written Values Transform Hiring and Culture

For the POM Team, the shift from a vague ethos to a codified set of core values was a game-changer. Writing down their values established clear benchmarks for every hiring decision and team interaction.

Be Kind, Not Nice

“I like to be kind, but I'm not gonna always be nice. And to me, that means really caring about the person's ultimate outcome.”

True authenticity in leadership requires the courage to prioritize long-term growth over short-term likability. Samantha discusses her philosophy that the kindest thing you can do for your team is to be honest and direct.

About the Guest: 

Samantha Bolosan is a fractional finance expert who has redefined what it means to build a high-performance, human-centric company. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, she has been a key financial architect for VC-backed ventures, guiding them from infancy through hyper-growth across tech, multi-channel retail, and agency services. A trusted operator from the outset, Samantha was a founding team member for major brands including LowerMyBills.com, Myspace Labs, and Sole Society.

Social Handles:

Website: https://www.thepomteam.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pomteam 

LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthabolosan/ 

Fun Facts:

• 🐱 Proud Cat Mom: She is utterly devoted to her cat, Bella, who answers to a myriad of nicknames, including Belly Bean and Hells Bells when she's misbehaving.
• 🍚Culinary Adventurer: Samantha believes life is too short for bad food and bad company. She actively surrounds herself with people who make her laugh and is always on the hunt for a new culinary experience.
• 📺Master of Balance: She has perfected the art of the push-and-pull, equally passionate about an intense workout and the pure joy of a lazy day in bed binge-watching a great show.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Raul Franco, a training manager in the security industry, has unlocked the secret to leadership. Learn how to replace filler words with a powerful presence from a leader who transforms shaky speakers into confident communicators. In this insightful episode of the Speak in Flow podcast, Melinda Lee sits down with Raul to pull back the curtain on his 21-year journey. Raul reveals how anxiety almost derailed his training career and the powerful, simple shifts that empowered him and his team to find their authentic voice.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Imposter to Influencer Journey

“Don’t give up. Never stop learning.”

How a 19-year-old security guard, inspired by true crime detectives and charismatic speakers from The Rock to Wayne Dyer, channeled their confidence to build his own. Raul’s story proves you don’t need a title to be a leader, just a willingness to learn from the best.

The "Happy Place" Reset

“I pretend that I'm back in the training room... that helped me.”

Before a high-pressure talk, Raul mentally transports himself to a familiar, comfortable environment. This simple visualization technique grounds his nerves and allows his natural expertise to shine through, transforming anxiety into authoritative calm.

The Filler Word Fix

“You use filler words when you are in doubt... then you pause.”

Raul and Melinda dismantle the myth that filler words are solved by more practice. Instead, they identify the root cause: self-doubt. The powerful solution isn’t a new word, but a purposeful pause that conveys confidence and control.

The Eye Contact Breakthrough

How a reluctant public speaker learned the transformative power of direct connection. By moving beyond scanning the room to making intentional, point-by-point eye contact, you can create a sense of belonging and command attention, even with disengaged listeners.

About the Guest: 

Raul Franco is a security industry veteran who transforms essential safety protocols into engaging and empowering learning experiences. With over two decades on the front lines, he has evolved from a 19-year-old security guard into a dedicated Training Manager, shaping the next generation of professionals. Raul specializes in high-stakes instruction, from active shooter preparedness and high-rise fire safety to life-saving CPR techniques, ensuring teams are not only compliant but also confident and ready to protect people and property.

Fun Facts:

• 🏈 Multipotentialite Athlete: Before his security career, Raul trained with dreams of going pro, both on the football field and in the wrestling ring.
• 🎸 Garage Band Rocker: He traded riffs on the guitar in a high school rock band, swapping dreams of stadium tours for the crucial work of public safety.
• 🐾 Passionate Advocate: A dedicated supporter of both women's rights and animal welfare.
• 🏞️ Outdoor Enthusiast: When he's not training teams, he can be found hiking trails and appreciating classic cars, all while still cheering on his favorite football and wrestling stars.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Eileen Wixted, a strategic communications expert with three decades of experience, went from advising Fortune 500 CEOs to uncovering a universal blind spot that derails even the most seasoned leaders, why slowing down to understand your audience is the fastest way to accelerate your message's impact. In this episode of the Speak In Flow Podcast with Melinda Lee, Eileen shares the watershed moment that exposed the critical gap between a leader's intent and their audience's reality, and the powerful mindset shifts that transform communication from a monologue into a connection.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Audience-Centric Blueprint

"If you don't think about your audience first, everything else has the potential to go into the ditch, and then everything else doesn't matter."

Eileen’s simple framework to avoid disastrous miscommunication: divide your audience, diagnose what’s on their mind, and discern how they feel before you craft your message.

The Empathy Edge

"You have to seek to understand before being understood."

Why the 18-inch journey from the head to the heart is a leader’s most critical path, and how acknowledging your team’s emotional state, even if it’s “of their own making”, builds trust and unlocks performance.

The Three-Answer Method

How to handle any tough question with integrity and confidence by knowing the only three possible responses: “I know and will share,” “I know and cannot share (and here’s why),” or “I don’t know (and here’s how I’ll find out).”

Sequence Your Communication Strategically

"The real competitive edge is your ability to communicate effectively"

A leader’s first words must calm the storm, not fuel it. The hospital merger story illustrates a critical rule: address core emotional fears (like job security) before presenting strategic facts (like growth opportunities).

Connect with Eileen Wixted

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-wixted-97b4796/ 

Website: https://www.thinkwixted.com/ 

About the Guest: 

Eileen Wixted is a strategic communications veteran who transforms high-stakes moments into opportunities for trust and connection. With a career spanning three decades, she has become the secret weapon for Fortune 500 companies, navigating their most critical challenges. An Emmy Award-winning former broadcast journalist, Eileen now leverages her insider knowledge to prepare executives for everything from hostile media interviews and government investigations to major organizational change.

Fun Facts:

• 🎤 Emmy-Winning Roots: Before shaping the messages of top executives, Eileen was an award-winning journalist.
• 🏆 Award-Winning Leader: Her expertise and leadership were recognized when she was named the Des Moines Business Record’s Woman Business Owner of the Year.
• 🕺 Disco Champion: She possesses undisputed bragging rights as a past winner of Big Daddy’s disco contest in Fort Lauderdale.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

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Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Kris Miller, a legacy wealth strategist with over 35 years of experience, has helped over 6,000 clients but refuses to gamble their money in the stock market. In this profound conversation with Melinda Lee, Kris reveals the "safe money" strategies of the top 1%, shares the devastating family health crises that showed her the true cost of being unprepared, and explains why a million dollars is no longer enough to self-insure against catastrophe.

Learn how to build a tax-free income stream you can never outlive.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Three-Pillar Safety Net

Kris reveals the three non-negotiable elements everyone must have: 1) Income you can never outlive, 2) The right legal documents (a living trust), and 3) Protection from catastrophic illness.

 “A million dollars is not a lot of money.”

The “At-Home” Care Strategy

“You hire your kids, or your friends, or your family to take care of you.”

Why nursing homes are a last resort and how to use specific financial vehicles to fund care in your own home, preserving your dignity and your family’s legacy.

The Retirement Planning Holiday

Kris shares a simple, actionable tip from a top financial officer: block out small, consistent chunks of time to focus on your financial fitness, even if it’s just an hour on Sunday.

A Practice of Gratitude

Kris leaves listeners with the daily practice that grounds her, listing five things she’s grateful for every morning and night. This shift in mindset is the foundation for a healthy relationship with money and life.

Talking to Your Current Financial Advisor

”You go to school, you learn how to make money, you get out of school, and what do you do? You go make money and give it to some guy that gambles it!”

Why most traditional planners are incentivized to keep your money at risk, and the empowering questions to ask them about fees, risk exposure, and "safe money" alternatives to balance your portfolio.

Connect with Kris Miller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krismiller-legacywealth/ 

Website: https://healthymoneyhappylife.com/ 

About the Guest: 

Kris Miller, "The Money Maestro," is a Legacy Wealth Strategist on a mission to share the financial secrets of the 1% with the 99%. With over 35 years of experience, she has guided more than 6,000 families in building unshakable financial safety nets and creating tax-free income streams they can never outlive. A fierce advocate for "safe money" strategies, Kris boasts a flawless track record: not a single client has lost a dime under her watch. 

Fun Facts:

• 🎤Double Threat: She's not just a financial maestro; she's also a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter whose music has played on national radio. 
• 🏆Community Champion: Her impactful work led to a Woman of the Year nomination from the Hemet Chamber of Commerce.
• 📖She is the author of the #1 bestselling book, "Ready for PREtirement"

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this wisdom-filled episode of the Speak in Flow podcast, Melinda Lee sits down with Becca Gordon, VP of Sales and Marketing at Shadowbox, to explore how emotional intelligence and authenticity are revolutionizing leadership in startups. With over 25 years of experience in executive, advisor, founder, and investor roles, Becca shares tangible strategies to build courageous, connected, and high-performing sales teams, without sacrificing humanity. From hiring practices to everyday team coaching, her message is clear: empathy isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership superpower.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

“You can be warm, personal, and still professional.”

Becca challenges outdated corporate norms, showing how empathy isn’t softness; it’s strategic. Leading with emotional intelligence builds deeper trust, more buy-in, and lasting performance.

Forget cold pitches. Becca reveals how genuine curiosity, personal connection, and energy (even through Zoom) cut through digital noise and forge real relationships with prospects.

Becca’s hiring mantra is simple: “No a-holes.” She explains why choosing team members based on coachability and emotional maturity lays the groundwork for trust, psychological safety, and innovation.

“People learn more from what you do than what you say.”

Becca leads by example, shadowing calls, running low-stakes practice sessions, and normalizing vulnerability within her team culture.

“You are allowed to have feelings. Feel them. Don’t ruminate in them. Don’t shove them down. Just feel them.”

Becca’s golden takeaway: emotional presence is the key to resilience. Suppression leads to burnout; acknowledgement leads to connection and clarity.

Connect with Becca Gordon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-gordon/

About the Guest: 

Becca Gordon is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Shadowbox, a healthcare startup innovating at the intersection of technology and human connection. With over two decades of leadership experience across executive, advisory, founder, and investor roles, she has a deep commitment to building high-impact teams through empathy, emotional intelligence, and authenticity. Becca previously co-founded and exited a women’s health company, and continues to advise and invest in startups shaping the future of care.

Fun Facts:

• 🧒 Becca has two very lively boys = zero chill at home
• 🏕️ She’s a nature lover who believes in fresh air as a leadership reset
• 💼 She advocates for 25-minute meetings, and 5-minute breathwork breaks
• 💬 Becca is known for turning workplace EQ into a competitive advantage

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.